Dan Istvanik
Founder and Owner of Youth Ministry Hub
For over 30 years, my calling and passion have centered on Youth and Family Ministry. I also have a deep commitment to supporting youth workers, focusing on their health, marriages, and families.
I hold degrees in Education from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and in Biblical Studies and Counseling Psychology from Clark Summit University, with additional studies at Davis College. This educational background has equipped me with a unique perspective and strategic approach to my ministry.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving diverse churches across the country, including those in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. Currently, I work as a family pastor and production director with the Global Leadership Summit: Next Gen team in the Chicagoland area.
My experience spans a variety of contexts, from underprivileged rural areas to urban settings, military communities, and affluent suburbs. This broad exposure has enriched my understanding of the challenges faced by students, families, and ministry leaders.
Several years ago, while connecting with fellow youth pastors and leaders, I noticed a significant gap in resources specifically tailored to the middle school years (5th–9th grade) and a lack of support for the growing movement towards family and parent-engaged ministry. Additionally, there were limited, affordable resources available for training youth workers beyond major events and publications. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to creating resources, building networks, mentoring others, and speaking to address these needs.
Youth Ministry Hub Speaking represents my ongoing commitment to empowering local youth workers, enhancing their ministries, and supporting their families and callings.
I HAVE WRITTEN FOR AND PARTNERED WITH PLACES LIKE:
- Leadership Resouces: Global Leadership Summit: Next-Gen
- Youth Ministry Resources: LeaderTreks, Download Youth Ministry, Orange: XP3, Youth Specialties
- Parent & Family Resources: Ministry to Parents, The Source of Parents, D6, INCMN
- Publications: Youth Worker Journal, Group Magazine
I HAVE SPOKEN AT:
- Youth Ministry Training Events Like KidzMatters Conference, Youth Specialties: National Youth Worker Convention, Next to Ministry Conferences, Vision of Youth: National Youth Workers, Beyond Kids Ministry Conference: Australia
- Student Events Like Retreats/Conferences: Chapelstreet Church, Black Rock Retreat Center, Brethren in Christ Northeast, Carlisle EFC Students
- Summer Camp Weeks: Camp Patmos, River Valley Ranch, Mill Creek Church Students
RECENT SAMPLES:
- Avene Christian Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvnm7OpElwA&t=2076s
- Avenue Christian Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX_w-Efj8bU&t=8s
- Wheaton Academy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTL6wsqrm2c
SPEAKING FOR YOU
I would be thrilled to speak at your next youth worker training, student event, or parent/family workshop. It would be a true honor to be a guest of your ministry. My goal is always to provide practical insights and valuable takeaways for all attendees. If you believe I would be a good fit for your event, please fill out the speaker request form, and we can discuss your specific needs.